These are generally pretty tough vessels noting the undertake operations in fairly severe conditions including working close to facilities whhile maintaining position using dynamic positioning . The ADV vessels are a lower level Ice Class but I am not sure if Manawanui is built that way.
It would be interesting to know what happened first, the fire or the grounding. Either way it would appear the opened up a lot of the ships bottom. I feel for the crew as they are going have a pretty stressful time while this is investigated. Given the vessel is ex-commercial hopefully the voayge data recorder was still fitted and operating. If so that should provide and indication of what when on.
For those not familiar with a VDR
https://wwwcdn.imo.org/localresources/en/KnowledgeCentre/IndexofIMOResolutions/MSCResolutions/MSC.333(90).pdf
A sad day for the New Zealand Navy
A day that may that may also be the day that NZ starts to have a good look at itself and considers what it wants and needs in its defence force and for this thread, what expectations it has for its maritime service.
Certainly there will be an investigation into the loss of Manawanui and that will be challenging for all involved.
I notice Wiki already has updated its NZ Navy site acknowledging the loss of Manawanui.
A glance of the NZ fleet today it shows that it now comprises
Two ANZAC's plus a small patrol boat supported by one supply ship and one multi role vessel.
Five active ships.
Two OPV's and another patrol boat are listed as laid up.
I'm sure some of the later will be back to service in due course.
Over the years there has been much discussion about what New Zealand's fleet should look like.
Many good ideas and concepts postulated, but in all reality unless there is a major boost in funding and time to build up personnel numbers the sad reality is that NZ has a very very small fleet.
Reality check........a very small fleet
NZ needs a vessel / vessels with the capability's of Manawanui.
It needs to do constabulary duties and HADR.
It needs to do the amphibious stuff in quantity and distance from shore.
It needs the range and numbers of vessels to fulfil the above duties 24 / 7 / 365.
This is a given for a modern industrialised nation.
It also needs fighting ships.
Now hears the challenge.
I realistically don't think NZ has the conviction to do justice to this aspiration.
Unless at least three throw into harms way vessels are acquired it will be a compromised bastard of a solution that satisfies nothing.
With no disrespect, a bit like its fleet today.
So lets make the loss of Manawanui a positive.
Lets make it a reflection point.
A transition point for NZ's future.
Maybe the future is one without major fighting ships but has balance in all other domains.
or
Maybe it raises the bar and commits to a balanced robust maritime fighting force going forward.
If so that force will need to at least double in size
A very big challenge.
What will NZ do?
Time will tell.
Cheers S
www.samoaobserver.ws
